News

WATCH: San Diego Loyals Walk Off Field After Opponent Uses Anti-Gay Slur At Collin Martin

During Wednesday’s night game between the San Diego Loyals and  Pheonix Rising, the Loyals walked off the field during the game after a Phoenix player reportedly directed a gay slur toward openly gay player Collin Martin. The Loyals ended up forfeiting the game in protest, but it has not been recognized in the league’s record book. The USL is reportedly investigating the incident.

“We are aware of the alleged use of a homophobic slur in tonight’s match between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC,” the league said in a statement. “Foul and abusive language of any type has absolutely no place in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches. An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident and more information will be provided as soon as it is available.”

This is a bad look for the league, especially since the Loyals had a controversy during their previous match against Galaxy II when player Omar Ontiveros reportedly directed the N-word towards Loyals player Elijah Martin. Loyals’ coach Landon Donavan spoke to the referees about the situation and eventually led his team off the field. After the game, he expressed that he was proud of his players for sticking up for what they thought is right. “Our guys, to their immense credit, just said, ‘We’re not going to stand for this,'” Donovan said in the video. “They were very clear in that moment that they were giving up all hopes of making the playoffs, even though they were beating one of the best teams in the league handedly. But they said that doesn’t matter, there’s things more important in life and we have to stick up for what we believe in. And so they made the decision to walk off.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Nico Ribadeneyra

Recent Posts

Paul George Turns Back The Clock To Beat LeBron James And The 76ers

Paul George ignited the renewed Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers rivalry, making six three-pointers on 11 attempts…

23 hours ago

After Dolphins Quarterback Malik Willis, How Will Backup Kyle McCord Do?

The Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Malik Willis on injured reserve with a groin injury. The…

23 hours ago

Bengals Call Off Trade With Eagles Just Two Hours After Trade Was Announced

The Eagles and Bengals made a trade that would have sent defensive end Arnold Ebiketie…

23 hours ago

Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard Reestablishing Himself On Top Of The NBA

After a long year for Damian Lillard, in which he spent the entire season watching…

23 hours ago

Chiefs Trade For Josh Downs To Help Struggling Pass Game

The Kansas City Chiefs have added Josh Downs to their wide receiver room in a…

2 days ago

Broncos Strengthen Defense At Deadline, Adding Linebacker Daiyan Henley

The Denver Broncos completed a trade at the NFL Trade Deadline with the Los Angeles…

2 days ago